The student who was shot was flown to a hospital in Bakersfield, said Ray Pruitt, spokesman for the Kern County Sheriff's Department. There was no immediate word on the victim's condition.

"We have a suspect in custody," Pruitt said, adding that the person was believed to be a student.

Pruitt said he believes the student used a shotgun in the attack and that weapon has been recovered.

GOP Whip Kevin McCarthy commented on the tragedy.

"I am deeply saddened and troubled by news of the shooting," McCarthy said. "Judy and I offer our prayers to the victims, their families and the entire Taft community."

23ABC News received phone calls from people inside the school who were hiding in closets.

Parents said that a teacher was also shot, but his injuries were only minor.

Kern County Sheriff's Department officials went room-by-room to secure the school.

23ABC News contacted the Federal Bureau of Investigation officials and they said they will not comment on the situation.

Parents were instructed to pickup their students at the football field.

Taft is an oil and agricultural community about 120 miles northwest of Los Angeles.

It was not immediately clear how many students are enrolled at the high school, which teaches 9th through 12th grades.

The Taft shooting came less than a month after a gunman massacred 20 children and six women at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., then killed himself.

That shooting prompted President Barack Obama to promise new efforts to curb gun violence. Vice President Joe Biden, who was placed in charge of the initiative, said Tuesday in Washington, D.C., that he would deliver new policy proposals to the president by next week.

Senator Jean Fuller (R-Bakersfield) released the following statement regarding news of a shooting Thursday morning at Taft Union High School:

"My thoughts and prayers are with the students, faculty, families and first responders at Taft Union High School this morning. At this moment, their safety and well-being is paramount.

Let me be absolutely clear. Violence directed at our children and teachers in schools is unacceptable.

Not more than a month ago, the nation turned its attention to the horrific violence that occurred in Newtown. As a local resident and community member, elected official and former educator, I know Taft well. It's a community also made up of proud and hard-working residents who send their children to schools to learn.

Those responsible for the deplorable action today must be prosecuted to the full extent of the law."

The American Red Cross – Kern Chapter are at the scene to support the shooting incident at Taft Union High School.

A volunteer team has been assembled which includes volunteer Mental Health and Nurse Professionals as well as our trained volunteer Disaster Responders. In addition to these support services, the Red Cross will be offering canteen services.